Diocesan Plan for Hispanic Ministry to be implemented throughout diocese

In 2002, when the diocese was in the process of developing the Plan for Parishes, it became apparent that there needed to be a future plan for Hispanic ministry. An effective future plan would require careful study and insight particularly from those who work most directly with the Hispanic community. Consequently, Bishop John C. Nienstedt appointed an Ad Hoc Committee under the chairmanship of Fr. Tony Stubeda. Father Stubeda directed Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese for seventeen years. Other members appointed to the Committee were Mr. Alex Barraza, Mr. Donald Clasemann, Fr. Samuel Perez, Ms. Anna Marie Reiter, Fr. Joseph Steinbeisser, and Sr. Donna Wermus, SSND.

After studying the documents of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and conferring with experts in the ministry, the Committee developed an initial draft of a plan. The draft then proceeded through a consultation process within the Diocese. After further revision and with the recommendations of both the Priests’ Council and the Diocesan Pastoral Council, Bishop Nienstedt approved the Plan for Hispanic Ministry: 2006-2013.

The Plan places emphasis on the development of area and parish Hispanic ministry. In this way, the Area Faith Communities and individual parishes will become the primary pastoral caregivers for their Hispanic parishioners rather than the diocese. The Plan sets out the basic principles that will direct future Hispanic ministry in the diocese and suggests specific strategies for its implementation. These can be incorporated into each Area Faith Community’s goals and objectives for the essential ministries of Word, Worship, Service and Stewardship. There are also recommendations for ways to educate and form the whole community to welcome and integrate the Hispanic members.

The diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry, under the direction of Sr. Anna Marie Reha, SSND, will coordinate the implementation of the Plan. The initial phase of the Plan will concentrate on the six Spanish-language worship sites in Glencoe, Litchfield, Marshall, Renville, Sleepy Eye, and Willmar. A second phase will focus on possible new worship sites at St. Anastasia in Hutchinson and St. Joseph in Montevideo. Future phases will be directed toward the development of Hispanic ministry in those areas and parishes that are not worship sites but which have Hispanic members. All Area Faith Communities will be asked to implement the Plan.

Copies of the Plan for Hispanic Ministry can be obtained in English and Spanish from the Office of Hispanic Ministry (507) 359-2966; e-mail jmichels@dnu.org. It is also available at www.dnu.org (Hispanic Ministry Office)